Ignatius of Loyola lived by the motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,” for the greater glory of God. St. Ignatius had a profound ability to see God’s presence in all moments of his life. Ignatius learned to see God in the ordinary and he examined how God might be using these small moments to help him become the best version of himself. He viewed each moment of his life as an opportunity to grow deeper in relationship with God.

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Ignatian Spirituality offers each of us a new way to view the world. It reveals God actively working in each moment of life. It encourages frequent conversation with God and discernment of His will. It acknowledges human emotion, while cultivating human intellect. It is a spirituality that meets us where we are at and helps us grow in virtue and obedience. Finally, Ignatian Spirituality inspires a life given in service to others.

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Integral to Ignatian Spirituality is the Examen, a daily prayer that encourages honest self-reflection and helps us grow in awareness of God’s presence. This 500-year-old practice provides a consistent routine for spiritual and personal growth. If you have never prayed the daily Examen before, consider using the guide below to get started. In the next post, we will be looking at ways to practice the Examen at home with your children!

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Read Part IV: Praying the Examen with Children

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About the author: Stacey Jarzynka has a decade of experience as a Catholic school teacher and a reading intervention specialist. After having her daughter, she started looking for jobs where she could stay home while also pursuing her love of creating content that inspires young people to grow deeper in their Catholic faith. God’s answer to her prayer started with the homeschooling moms in her book club introducing her to classical education and it ended with an offer to start developing content for Kolbe. Stacey resides in a small town in Illinois with her husband and two children.

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